ELCA members, others lobby Congress for host of causes

Nearly 1,000 church activists came to the nation’s capital for three days in March to lobby members of Congress on issues ranging from the national budget, the plight of Palestinians and immigration reform to U.S. foreign policy and health care for the poor and elderly.

More than 200 ELCA members attended Ecumenical Advocacy Days, the largest annual gathering of church-related activists. Before going to Capitol Hill on March 13, members of synod staffs, collegians on spring break, and others eager to reach senators and representatives with their views attended workshops led by staff members from the Washington offices of a dozen denominations and religious organizations.